Avow awarded $2,600 grant from Golisano Foundation Bailey and Friends

NAPLES, Fla. - Aug. 15, 2023 - PRLog -- Avow has been awarded a $2,600 grant from the Golisano Foundation's Bailey and Friends trust to purchase lifelike robotic pets for children receiving palliative care due for life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses through the Partners in Care: Together for Kids (PIC: TFK) program.

"We commend (Avow's) efforts in providing exceptional, compassionate care through creative support solutions like robotic pets, to comfort and increase a child's quality of life as they face tremendous challenges," says Ann Costello, director of the Golisano Foundation.

The robotic cats and dogs will serve as companions to children who are unable to care for a live animal due to their medical conditions. Children who are in Avow's PIC: TFK program receive services such as pain and symptom management, expressive therapies, therapeutic counseling for child and family, bereavement support and more. Now, with the help of Golisano Foundation's Bailey and Friends, they also have access to the benefits of animal companionship.

"We are currently providing care and support to 25 PIC: TFK children and their families," says Dawn Kolderman, senior clinical director at Avow. "This is the highest number of children we have served. The virtual pets will be a wonderful addition to the family and a lifelong companion for the kids. Avow is excited to offer this new option for children in the PIC: TFK program and thankful to the Golisano Foundation's Bailey and Friends trust for their assistance in funding such a life-changing and uplifting project."

To be eligible for the PIC: TFK, children must meet Medicaid and Florida Healthy Kids financial requirements, be age 21 or younger, and be diagnosed with a life-limiting condition. Avow's program currently provides palliative care to children with cerebral palsy, congenital cardiac disease, brittle bone disease and other complex medical conditions. Patients and their families experience tremendous struggles, as there are constant variabilities in the child's health. In many cases, patients and their families are in a continuous state of crisis. Most have suffered from grief and loss even while their family members are still living. Avow's PIC: TFK program improves quality of life for patients and their families through steadfast support.

To learn more about the scope of services provided by Avow, call 239-261-4404 or visit https://avowcares.org/